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Live Simply, Live Happily
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Simple Tips for Adopting to a New Culturehttps://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/10/simple-tips-for-adopting-to-a-new-culture/
https://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/10/simple-tips-for-adopting-to-a-new-culture/#respondFri, 10 Dec 2010 06:50:48 +0000http://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/?p=767Nowadays, there are more and more international students who come to the United States to further their education. As international students come to the US a very common experience many go through is culture shock. This time, Life Made Simple meets Dr. Elaine Yuan, who is a multicultural communications professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Yuan is a native of Beijing, China and she has been in the US for nearly ten years. We here at LMS, credit Dr. Yuan as having the right kind of experience to give proper advice to international students who may be in the midst of a transition to a new culture. As Dr. Yuan is a professional in multicultural communication, LMS hopes that her own experience and advise could help international students start a simple and comfortable life here in the US.

LMS: Having been in the U.S. for nearly ten years, what do you think is the most difficult thing for an international student living in a new environment?

YUAN: The most difficult thing, for me, is to get used to the American culture. Culture is a big all-encompassing term. To be more specific, it means to know the local language well in order to express oneself freely, to know the local social psychology and etiquettes well in order to make friends, build social support and feel comfortable in this foreign social environment.

LMS: What do you think is the easiest way to overcome that difficulty?

YUAN: The easiest way to overcome the difficulty is to learn about cultures. Learning about cultures takes place on two levels. One, learn specific cultural facts in the hosting country such as the local language, social customs, the political system and values etc. Two, understand difficulties are usually caused by differences between what one is used to and what the foreign culture prescribes. Once, you achieve this kind of understanding. Things may get a bit easier. But just a little bit.

LMS: Are there any helpful tips you can offer to maybe help international students live a better here in the U.S.?

YUAN: I’m looking for such tips myself. But there is one thing that may count as a helpful tip: reach out. Reach out for people and make active efforts to make friends. I think it’s particularly important for Chinese students who tend to be shy and passive in social interactions. Sometimes a positive attitude goes a long way.

LMS: Have you found others from your home country that you socialize with or have developed a close circle/community with?

YUAN: Yes, definitely. I have very close Chinese friends. It’s always easier to find friendship among people from the same culture. But I also have good American friends. It’s unfortunate not to make efforts to make friends in the hosting culture just because it is difficult to do so. Again, you need to try. Ask some American classmates to go to movies or join them for parties.

LMS: Do you think that there are communication barriers to overcome for international students living in the U.S.?

YUAN: Yes, definitely. You can say all the difficulties caused by cultural differences are problems in communication. Differences among people with different languages and customs make communication among them difficult. But I think the most effective solution to communication problems is communication itself. So go out to make friends and start communicating.

LMS: How can communication be improved between Americans and international students who may find it difficult to communicate while here?

YUAN: There are two things to do. One, make efforts to learn about other cultures. Understand and respect cultural differences. Two, reach out for people from the foreign culture. Make friends and talk to them.

LMS: Personally, I miss home a lot and I am going through the culture shock period. Could you give some suggestions that could help cope with being so far away from home for an international student like myself?

YUAN: Call home. Find some friends from your home country to share your shocks and grievances. Find some American friends to have some fun. Write a blog. But it won’t be easy to go away. All you can do is to face it.

For those of you experiencing similar transitions as an international student or simply a new immigrant to a foreign country, we hope that the advise Dr. Yuan provided us with can guide you in adapting to a new life in simpler ways. In the end as Dr. Yuan suggests, we just have to face reality and adapt to a new culture with optimism.

]]>https://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/10/simple-tips-for-adopting-to-a-new-culture/feed/0livesimplechicagomelting_potP1020971Interview with Nutritionist Elena Mitovahttps://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/interview-with-nutritionist-elena-mitova/
https://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/interview-with-nutritionist-elena-mitova/#respondWed, 08 Dec 2010 22:24:12 +0000http://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/?p=760One of Life Made Simple’s main goals is achieving well-being through simplicity. What better way than to talk about how food may affect our well-being. Evie Pesheva from LMS sat down with Elena Mitova, a certified nutritionist, to discuss basic ideas about good and bad nutrition. Take a look!

]]>https://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/interview-with-nutritionist-elena-mitova/feed/0livesimplechicagoGet “Juicing” with Mama Asantewahttps://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/get-juicing-with-mama-asantewa/
https://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/get-juicing-with-mama-asantewa/#respondWed, 08 Dec 2010 17:16:00 +0000http://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/?p=751The current obesity epidemic in the U.S. has brought about a surge in the promotion of healthier eating. Many fast food restaurants have included healthier options on their menus, schools have provided healthier lunch options for students and more and more health food stores are popping up around the country. Some people are taking a further step to a healthier and nutritious lifestyle by juicing. No one knows juicing better than Mama Asantewa whose diet and nutritious lifestyle includes mostly juicing foods. LMS turns to the juice “queen” to find out what foods are best to juice, which ones are most nutritious and about opening her first fresh juice bar in the near future.

LMS: When did your affinity for juicing start?

MA: Well, I come from a family where everything that was ever eaten was cooked. Of course we found out the hard way that this was not the best way to eat when my mum developed chronic “type 2” diabetes. Her doctor had to put her on a very strict diet composed strictly of fruits, vegetables and low-to-no sugar foods as well as cutting out refined foods and foods with a lot of preservatives. So my mum having little time to always eat many different types of vegetables and fruits, found it easier to just juice or blend them.

LMS: What is considered “Juicing”?

MA: I’m glad you asked that because some people confuse juicing with blending and mixing juice. Juicing is the process of extracting and separating the peel from a fruit or vegetable. You can do this by squeezing the actual fruit or vegetable, or by using a juicer. Just throwing fruit and/or vegetables in a blender is not juicing but can still give you great nutritious benefits. With juicing though – because the juice is separated from the skin, you do tend to loose the fiber from the fruit or vegetable as in the case with apples.

LMS: What are the benefits to juicing?

MA: Juicing allows you to absorb all the nutrients and consume an optimal amount of vegetables and fruits in an efficient manner. You can also add more of a variety of fruits and veggies in your diet with juicing. This is one of the main reasons why my mum started juicing. The daily recommendations for fruits and vegetables is at least five servings a day, so as long as you get this you are getting adequate nutrition. But juicing is a great way to easily accomplish getting your nutrients with a quick glass of juice.

LMS: Which juice combinations would you recommend and are there any combinations that should be avoided?

MA: There are some that I personally that I like to juice as a daily juice blend – like carrot, orange and lemon juice with a touch of cayenne pepper (wakes me up), but there can be many good juice combinations depending on a person’s nutritional needs, lifestyle, time of year (what’s in season) and personal taste. For someone who lives in a cold climate may benefit from garlic, ginger or basil based juices as these are warming vegetables. For someone who may have have a cold, getting some fresh vitamin C from a fresh squeezed or pressed orange may be beneficial. But you want to avoid combining vegetables with fruits as they require different enzymes for digestion. Apples are the exception because they tend to be neutral. You want to be a vegetarian moreso than a fruitarian when juicing and/or eating fruits and veggies because fruits are higher in sugar than vegetables. Like with everything in life there needs to be a balance so try to get a variety of both without excessively juicing.
LMS: You are in the process of opening your first juice bar, tell us how this came about.

MA: I feel that there are not enough places that offer fresh squeezed juice in the city (Chicago). I want to provide a place where people can get a healthy drink on the go and provide a healthier more convenient option towards a nutritious lifestyle. I am looking at locations now for it, but I do know I want it to be centrally located in the city and if it does well, maybe branch out to other cities.

LMS: So what juice combinations can we expect to see on the menu?

Well I haven’t decided on all of them yet but some will be based on the season – for winter months I’ll have more warming based fruit and vegetable drinks like fresh squeezed carrot and orange juice blends, and for summer maybe some fresh berry and tomato juice blends. I will also have wheat grass which has many health benefits.

LMS: For our readers, what will be the name of your juice bar and when do you project it opening?

MA: Currently I have a few names for the juice bar (not patented yet so can’t list) but it would definitely have something to do with the word “juice”, lol. I plan on opening it around springtime of 2011, but I’ll keep you posted!

In the technological world we live in today, its hard for one to imagine functioning without technology. I decided to investigate how some people who were not raised in the present media era lived simply back in the day and how perhaps they view technology today.

I had the opportunity of spending some face-to-face time with 80 year old Ferrell Daste who didn’t grow up with the technology we have nowadays. Ferrell discussed what it was like growing up as a kid in the 1930s-1940s and how life was much simpler when he was growing up.

Do you think life was simpler when you were young? Why or why not?

Yes, because although we never had too much, we were closer together than people are now and we all grew up closer together.

What do you mean by that?

We didn’t have television or other modern day things that took us away from one another. At that time, everyone would have a lot of kids so all of the neighborhoods had a lot of kids, ours had around 30. And although there was so many of us, you were able to intermingle more with everyone. I think a lot of technological things take away from that.

So what did you do for fun?

Well back then, movies were only 7 cents and our only form of entertainment. The only games we had, were the ones we put together ourselves. I remember there was only one basketball in the whole neighborhood and the only time we played football was in vacant lots [laughs]. We made due with whatever we had and enjoyed it so if you got something new it was like a Christmas present.

You talked about putting games together yourself, can you explain some of the games you made?

There was bat-the-can, it was like baseball…except with a can. We also played humpty head which was like what kids call hide-and-seek now. We would run through the neighborhood and hide under houses, and when you caught someone you would yell “Humpty Head!”

Do you use any technology now?

I use the computer, but only to send messages to family and for news.

What things do you think people could live without that you didn’t have growing up?

Automobiles.

Really? Why is that?

Because I think that there are so many other ways to get around and people only use it for convenience and to get where they are going quicker.

If you had a choice, would you have been born with the new generations or when you were? Why?

I’d be born when I was, because it was simple. We didn’t even feel the need to go out of the neighborhood to meet people in our lives.

Anything to add?

Communication, that is the biggest change. Most people talk mostly through texting now, it’s so impersonal and it’s sad.

]]>https://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/life-before-technology/feed/0millywinnneworleans1930sdowntownFeaturing: The Active Transportation Alliancehttps://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/04/featuring-the-active-transportation-alliance/
https://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/04/featuring-the-active-transportation-alliance/#respondSat, 04 Dec 2010 18:28:15 +0000http://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/?p=738Life Made Simple not only supports simple living, but also well-being. Active Trans follows our motto “Live simply, Live happily” quite accuratelly. They not only strive to make transportation simple, promote health and an eco-friendly environment as well.

Mission Statement of the Active Transportation AllianceThe mission of Active Transportation Alliance is to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. We advocate for transportation that encourages and promotes safety, physical activity, health, recreation, social interaction, equity, environmental stewardship and resource conservation.

I found out about this organization last year when the former Director of Communications for Active Trans, Margo O’Hara, was a guest speaker for my Environmental Communications class. She spoke about the work that Active Trans does and how beneficial it is to the community, especially to Chicago.

Margo spoke about her favorite part of the job, “My job was to communicate and in some ways “sell” our mission through the media. Selling this idea was easy: biking, walking and transit have so many benefits and it is kind of tough to argue against it. It was exciting to be part of the movement right as it reached a tipping point. The rate at which people are moving toward biking, walking and transit is on a sharp incline. That has been exciting to be part of.”

Commuting to work in Chicago can be a big hassle and this may add to the fact that it has become one of the most stressful cities in the United States. By working on making transportation easier and safer, Active Trans is not only creating a better commute, but contributing to the well-being of those living in the city.

Johnathan Poblano, an intern for the organization, only rode his bike for transportation. He also believes that riding your bike is much better than driving. “Since we live in the city, it’s a lot faster and you can get through traffic quicker. I can take my bike and get somewhere quicker than my friend who drives. It’s better for the environment and for you.”

Active Trans holds many events that the community can participate in to support their work and meet others who value a healthy transportation: Bike the Drive, Bike to Work Week, Boulevard Lakefront Tour, and Chicagoland Car-free Day, just to name a few.

“My favorite event was Bike to Work Week. That week in June we get to know the everyday bicycle commuter. It can be surprisingly hard to meet those folks, so it was always fun to meet more people that “get it” and are out there doing the work we advocate for.” Says Margo.

Life Made Simple encourages you to try out a simpler way to travel. Instead of going through the annoyance and stress of morning traffic, try biking. If your job is too far to bike to, try biking to the nearest train station. Not only can you beat the traffic, but you can relax, enjoy your surroundings and use it as a means of exercise.

Active Transportation Alliance

9 W. Hubbard St. Ste. 402 Chicago, IL. 60642

312-427-3325

Active Trans also offers jobs and internships. If you would like to get involved or just find out more information, you can visit activetrans.org.

]]>https://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/04/featuring-the-active-transportation-alliance/feed/0millywinnactive-trans-logo-thumb-640xauto-4587margo-160x160bike-the-driveTake Daydreaming As a Simple Hobbyhttps://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/04/take-daydreaming-as-a-simple-hobby/
https://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/04/take-daydreaming-as-a-simple-hobby/#respondSat, 04 Dec 2010 01:04:53 +0000http://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/?p=726How many of you love daydreaming? I daydream every day, sometimes as long as 5-10 minutes. During this time, I am left alone with my pleasant thoughts and no school, work, or trouble seems to exist. In my daydreams, I am having a fantastic journey either by myself or with someone who is company I really enjoy. After a daydream, I feel relaxed and if I am at work, I come back to work with high efficiency. Daydreaming is one of my favorite relaxation techniques, but I would have never thought to make it into a hobby.

Life Made Simple presents you with a sweet story about one baby’s daydreams. In Finland, a mother named Adele gives us an imaginative look at the daydreams of her baby, Mila. When Mila takes a nap, she creates a scene around her baby and takes a quick snap picture. In the photos, Mila looks more like she is living a daydream than having a nap. As a mother of her baby, Adele “would like to see into the dreams of her little girl” and has her own daydream at the same time. Also she collects all the photos and integrates them in an album, which is called “Mila’s Daydream”.

Adele used to be a copywriter and advertising concept designer, but now has a lot more free time being a mother and housewife. She has found a way to make daydreams come to life. She uses clothes, towels, paper, toys, and other creative materials to create the scenes in the stories for “Mila’s daydream”. She says that creating these scenes are easy for her, “I only use a few minutes per picture, including creating the idea, implementation and editing, cause I don’t want to disturb her sleeping and most of my time is for my family.” Also, her tool for taking pictures is simple, she says, “My camera is a small and inexpensive Canon IXUS 750.”

A cute name explains the concept in each photo. Some examples are “Attack of the 50 foot woman’s baby”, “A Space Odyssey 2010”, “Oh What a Circus” and “Up” are based on existing art works. “Bookworm” is related to the book series. “She Loves Me, She Loves Me Lots” is a cute title Adele as a mom, gives one of the daydreams.

”Bookworm”

Creating daydreams as a hobby is not just for fun. There is always a story and a great meaning behind the pictures that Adele takes. I can’t help but think that Adele’s little girl is going to love seeing these pictures when she grows up. I know she will be proud of having such a brilliant mom!

“Imaginary Friend”

LMS encourages you to develop daydreaming as a simple hobby in your own ways. No matter what it is, as Adele’s words goes, “Never forget, everything is possible in the dreams. Keep daydreaming!”

Life Made Simple is about the simpler things in life and the wonderful feelings and well-being that simplicity can bring. This week we visited a soup kitchen where people come together, not only to eat free organic soup, but to have conversation about current social, cultural, economic, and environmental issues. This soup kitchen is held at the University of Illinois at Chicago every Tuesday from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. Re-Thinking Soup is an organization that focuses on locally grown, simple ingredients for delicious soups, while educating their guests about important current issues.

The first time I visited this soup kitchen was two weeks ago. I walked in through a door posted with a white sign displaying the words “Re-Thinking Soup” in bold black letters. I entered a room filled with four long tables where people were eating soup from white bowls. On the right, two volunteers stood behind two large metal pots placed on a table and were serving a line of waiting people. On the opposite side of the room, there was a woman behind a podium who was explaining that the soup served at this kitchen is made with all organic, fresh, and locally grown produce. The next speaker that day was a woman named Jeannette Beranger, a representative for the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, which is a clearing-house company for information on livestock and genetic diversity. Mrs. Beranger was present at the soup kitchen via a Skype conference call and she spoke on a current environmental issue.

Tera Lee is one of the founders of Re-Thinking Soup. That day, she was helping the volunteers serve soup. I asked how she got involved with Re-Thinking Soup – assuming she was a volunteer. She laughed and said, “I’m not a volunteer; I’m actually one of the founders.” This made me interested in finding out more about the organization. “Me and my friends began this about three and a half years ago,” explained Tera. “We came to look at the space and they said the director wanted to reinvigorate it because it used to be an old residence dining hall. All the officials came together here and ate every day, so we thought why can’t we have that same process? We wanted to reference what they used to do, but also bring in modern day issues.”

After the first wonderful experience I had at Re-Thinking Soup, I knew I had to return and experience it again. I not only wanted to have the same experience, but I wanted to learn more about this organization and those involved. I returned on a Tuesday whencurry spice pea soup was being served. This soup was made from mashed peas, water, garlic, ginger, and curry. Flavors of garlic and ginger gave the soup a delicious hot spice that warmed my body up instantly. The curry gave the soup a beautiful deep orange that made me feel warm. To contrast this deep orange, the chef threw in what looked like kale green leaves. Each bowl of soup is served with bread which is provided by Nicole Bergere, who owns a shop called Nicole’s Divine Crackers in Chicago. Bergere grinds the grains, uses all natural ingredients and no preservatives for her baked creations. During this visit to the soup kitchen, I was able to talk to some of those behind Re-Thinking Soup and those who simply enjoy coming on Tuesdays.

Jonathan is a man who has been going to this soup kitchen every Tuesday since 2008. He says that he enjoys not only coming here because of the free soup, but also because it is an enlightening social gathering. He later admitted that he also liked coloring with the crayons on the table.

When I re-visited the soup kitchen the following Tuesday, a documentary titled “Flow” was showcased. Every week there is focus on current issues. This film was based on a current environmental issue about water deprivation in other countries across the world. Tera explained to me that those who run the soup kitchen follow the belief of “eating as an agricultural act.” This means every bite you take; you are taking a stance on something. At Re-Thinking Soup, people can come together and work towards being conscious of what they are taking a stance on and allowing into their bodies. When people come to this soup kitchen, they don’t only come to eat the soup. They come for the learning experience and desire to know where their food comes from. Most importantly, they come to take a stance!

Jonathan then smiled and said, “I don’t know how they make this delicious soup with theses fresh vegetables for so many people, but it really makes my day every Tuesday.”

LMS encourages you to take time off your “busy” schedules and enjoy something simple like this soup kitchen that doesn’t cost you anything and the rewards are “enlightening,” as Jonathan said!

Re-Thinking Soup is open to the public every Tuesday at 12:00pm to 1:00pm.

It is located at 800 S. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60607-7017

For information about volunteer opportunities for Re-Thinking Soup please contact Kelly Saulsberry at ksuzanne@uic.edu or 312.355.4683

]]>https://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/re-thinking-soup/feed/0millywinnlogoIMG_0420IMG_0421IMG_0424IMG_0425IMG_0423Chicago Designer of Sustainability: Lara Millerhttps://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/01/chicago-designer-of-sustainability-lara-miller/
https://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/12/01/chicago-designer-of-sustainability-lara-miller/#commentsWed, 01 Dec 2010 17:24:19 +0000http://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/?p=675Time to get inspired! Today Life Made Simple proudly features Chicago Fashion Designer Lara Miller. A Chicago native, Laura Miller attended the School of The Art Institute where she developed her niche for creating garments out of Eco-friendly materials. She conceptualized her garments to focus on versatility, and allowing women to “Wear it Your Way.” Lara’s focus is mainly on sweaters, but whatever the garment is, it can be wrapped, reversed, and flipped to reveal an entirely different look.

The Lara Miller line is manufactured in Chicago and her designs are strongly influenced by the city’s architectural and cultural landscape. An advocate to giving back to the community, Lara acknowledges the impact humans have on the environment. By making clothes with Eco-friendly materials, Lara hopes to preserve and respect the Earth any way she can.

“I see my company as a way to support my community – not only by using organic materials while adhering to a “green” lifestyle and workspace – but also by manufacturing locally and working to sustain the sewn products industry in Chicago.”

When she sketches, Lara uses recycled craft papers like O-tag paper, which is used for store tags on clothing or other products from companies like Henry Lee, who would normally throw away the surplus. During the design process, Lara draws the markers out herself onto scrap paper instead of sending her patterns off to be entered into computers and printed. Lara donates the left over scrap paper to Columbia College instructor Jamie Thorne to use in her paper making classes.

Lara Miller strives to use colors that are exclusively from low-impact reactive dyes in her designs, that use the least amount of petroleum by products and water possible. She has also been proactive in researching ways of using only natural dye sources, putting to practical use natural dying techniques that she learned in school.

Lara Miller incorporates organic cotton, hemp, vegan Ahimsa peace silk, organic wool, linen, lyocell, flax and soy fibers, hand-loomed bamboo and recycled organic cotton in her garments. Her favorite material to use is recycled cotton yarn that she gets from US-based company Jimtex. The yarn from this company is regenerated from post-industrial scraps from larger companies that make t-shirts and other cotton products. In re-using these scraps the need for growing more crops and using dyes is minimized and this significantly reduces the amount of waste that goes into our landfills.

“Being a ‘green’ company means much more to me than just using eco-friendly fibers. It means supporting the local economy and using the least amount of energy possible. It means using a local printer that only uses recycled paper and partially runs on wind power. It means giving back in every way that I can to my employees, my community, and the world.”

Lara Miller is an innovative pioneer who is helping sustain our planet through her Eco-friendly designs. Life Made Simple acknowledges Lara Miller as “one” person making a difference and applauds her integrity, hard work and dedication to her community, fashion, and the Earth.

Want to find out how you can shop for a cause and help change lives? The Enterprising Kitchen is one way you can help women and their families gain financial independence. The Enterprising Kitchen (TEK) is a non-profit organization, based in Chicago that started in 1996. The program is aimed to help low-income, poverty stricken women and their families achieve economic independence by providing them with jobs and important life skills training. Women strive towards self sufficiency by producing and selling a line of spa products such as soaps, lotions and body oils.

I first learned about TEK as I was shopping in a popular retail store in my neighborhood. During a special shopping event, TEK were showcasing their products for the holiday season. I had walked by the table several times as I thought, ‘this is just another company trying to make a profit.’ Little did I know, this company was one that actually sought to put profits back into others who needed it! I walked up to the table as the scents of jasmine and rose from the soaps and body creams aroused my senses. I was greeted by Jade Stewart, the Executive Director of TEK who informed me that all the products were hand made by women who have either been living below the poverty line, victims of domestic violence, previously incarcerated or just down on their luck in life. She went on to inform me that all proceeds, are used to benefit job training for the women.

The Enterprising Kitchen was started by Ms. Joan Pikas who originally launched the company from home in her kitchen – hence the name “The Enterprising Kitchen”. Each product is hand made under the TEK’s brand name, Choices from The Enterprising Kitchen. One very interesting thing I also learned was that each product is hand signed by the woman who made it. Seeing the names on the products made me realize that simply purchasing a bar of soap or a bottle of lotion could change a woman’s life. The gift packages were beautifulIy and organically wrapped with different sets including lotions, soaps, bath salts and oils. I bought two bars of rose scented soaps, and along with the mission statement on the translucent packaging, were the words “Packaged with pride by: Bisrat”. I thought this was such a sentimental notion and added a more personal feel to purchasing these spa products. I really felt I made a purposeful purchase. Jade informed me that TEK also offers custom orders where packaging can be creatively personalized with your company name and logo.
More than 600 women have been interviewed for the TEK program and of these women, 397 has received job training and support. The average wage for the women is $9 per hour. The program works as a stepping stone towards possible permanent work. TEK works with employment agencies with helping women of the program get on the job training and graduate moving into positions at various skill levels within job fields such as health care, social services, manufacturing and transportation companies.

The Enterprising Kitchen offers several ways to get involved. The Charitable Fundraising Program where specialized gifts can be made for school, religious and/or nonprofit fundraising purposes; hiring graduates at your company after they complete a six-month transitional jobs training program; The Referral Program where a graduate can be referred for possible employment; and Product Development Program where if you have a creative eye for design, you can assist with launching new products.
Since we are in the season of giving, you can give the gift that gives back. Whether its shopping for gifts for loved ones for the holiday’s, a wedding or corporate giving, shopping with The Enterprising Kitchen is a sure way you’ll be helping others as you buy.

If you would like to get involved with The Enterprising Kitchen, please visit their upcoming open house on December 4, 2010 from 10am-5pm 4426 North Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60640 773-506-3880

]]>https://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/11/29/pay-it-forward-to-give-back-the-enterprising-kitchen/feed/1lmurra4The Enterprising KitchenPicture 9ChoicesYour company logo herePicture 14Simplify Shopping this Black Friday!https://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/11/26/simplifying-shopping-this-black-friday/
https://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/2010/11/26/simplifying-shopping-this-black-friday/#respondFri, 26 Nov 2010 10:02:44 +0000http://livesimplechicago.wordpress.com/?p=654Now that you have filled up on all the delicious Thanksgiving food, are you ready to hit the shops and walk off/run off some of those calories as you shop? To help make your shopping experience more pleasant on Black Friday, Life Made Simple reached out to consumer expert, John Hildebrand. We asked John about helpful tips for making your shopping experience a lot simpler. Mr. Hildebrand teaches classes like Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategy & Planning and other related courses at UIC. LMS proudly introduces John Hildebrand and his professional advice on making this Black Friday a more simple and pleasant shopping experience.

1) Mr. Hildebrand, can you tell the audience of Life Made Simple a little bit about the shopping experience of consumers on Black Friday?

Black Friday can be an adventure in shopping, or a commercial nightmare. Much of that is going to depend on the approach you take to it. This is not a shopping day – it’s a buying day. Crowds and limited quantities are going to make it virtually impossible, in many cases, to be leisurely. If you want to browse and shop, it’s better to wait a few days. If you know what you want and are ready to go in, find it, and buy it, then this is your day. The energy of the crowds and the thrill of the hunt may be exciting for some, for others it may prove more annoying and frustrating than anything else. Know who you are and what you want.

2) What media outlets should consumers look at for advertisement and shopping deals that are trustworthy and reliable?

It’s not so much the outlets as it is a matter of reading the ads–and the small print–carefully. Reputable advertisers can’t afford to have untrustworthy advertising so particular media won’t be as important for trustworthiness. Print ads will give you something to bring with you and reference to (model numbers, price, conditions, etc) if there are any questions–it will also help your team get exactly the right item (see below).

3) What are some things consumers should bring during Black Friday shopping to ease any stress and make their shopping experience more comfortable?

A list, a map, a team, and a plan. On Black Friday you must be strategic. In those stores where there is a big rush when the doors open, many items won’t last long. If you insist on shopping on Black Friday know exactly what it is you want. Make a list, then prioritize that list. Go to the store a day or two before and make sure you know where to find the top items on your list. Know the quickest route to get to each item.

On the big day, when possible, shop as a team–bring the whole family. Designate one person to get a cart and stay with it. If time matters, getting at the carts will be the biggest time waster. It’s also easier to move through the crowds without a bulky cart slowing you down. You can always bring the cart to your prize later if you’re buying big items.

Give everyone an item to go for first (make sure they know the right model number, color, size, etc–bringing a copy of the ad helps) and have a central meeting place where you will gather together to put things in your cart. Use your cell phones to coordinate–you have that family plan for a reason!

Get in the checkout line early. They get long fast. You can always send out ‘hunting’ parties for other things after you have the important items in the cart. If nothing else, you may have to get a second cart and check out a second time with the later items. But this way you have the option of getting out quickly with your most important purchases if you find the lines getting too long.

4) Do you think online shopping could make Black Friday shopping simpler?

Absolutely. No crowds, no stress.

5) Is there anything that consumers should pay extra attention to if they want to do online shopping on Black Friday?

Make sure you know who you are giving your credit card information to. Make sure you read terms and conditions. Watch for hidden charges (get the shipping rate–it may be less of a bargain after shipping). Make sure there is a return policy. Print out the online receipt.

6) Any suggestion for our readers who want to go shopping on the early morning of Black Friday to make their shopping experience simpler?

Plan ahead and know what you want.

So here you have it readers of Life Made Simple! If you are planning on taking part as shoppers this Black Friday, we hope that the tips from John Hildebrand were useful to you. From things to bring with you to planning ahead; we hope you can take these tips and have a pleasant and simpler day of shopping this Black Friday!